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re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

Originally Posted by Fletch

That is how it should be in a two party system.

It doesn't matter how many parties there are, only that the parties that exist are actually relevant to a sizeable percentage of the American public. American third parties have demonstrated that their message and platform simply doesn't appeal to any worthwhile number of voters. Even after 40 years, the Libertarians can't even get 5% of the vote in a Presidential election. That's pretty pathetic. Of course, I'm sure you'll try to find an excuse, some conspiracy theory for why your party's views simply do not resonate with the American people, but at the end of the day, it's who gets elected that matters and American third parties clearly don't.

There is nothing demonstrably true that religion can provide the world that cannot be achieved more rationally through entirely secular means.

re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

Originally Posted by PoS

While thats a good sign I personally believe the mainstream media is purposely trying to exclude libertarians from having more exposure in the news, many articles have been written that portrays libertarianism in not very flattering terms and at the same time very few articles are being written about LP candidates during elections. Its a conspiracy that I truly believe is happening.

I know it's happening. Just look at Florida's 13th CD. The first poll of the election was in June and Overby was polling at 32%. Then, no more polls after that for the whole damn season. Even after Overby managed to grab a huge endorsement from the would-be (if he had met requirements) Democratic candidate. Very little media covering that district, despite the historic events taking place there. And, of course, no debates.

re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

Originally Posted by haymarket

We completely and totally disagree. Ron Paul was a libertarian who ran for president under their banner. He lost of course. He wanted a career and a paycheck so he went to the costume shop and bought a republican outfit.

And even then, he couldn't get elected, or even get serious consideration from most Americans because his ideas were really out there. When you have a failed political philosophy, it doesn't matter what letter you put next to your name, you still lose.

There is nothing demonstrably true that religion can provide the world that cannot be achieved more rationally through entirely secular means.

re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

Originally Posted by Cephus

It doesn't matter how many parties there are, only that the parties that exist are actually relevant to a sizeable percentage of the American public. American third parties have demonstrated that their message and platform simply doesn't appeal to any worthwhile number of voters. Even after 40 years, the Libertarians can't even get 5% of the vote in a Presidential election. That's pretty pathetic. Of course, I'm sure you'll try to find an excuse, some conspiracy theory for why your party's views simply do not resonate with the American people, but at the end of the day, it's who gets elected that matters and American third parties clearly don't.

People are caught up in lesser evils, not principles. Congress had an 11% approval rating but 97% of representatives got re-elected. It's not that the two parties represent America better than third parties, it's that fear tactics are used to keep people voting for the same two parties every year.

re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

Originally Posted by TeleKat

People are caught up in lesser evils, not principles. Congress had an 11% approval rating but 97% of representatives got re-elected. It's not that the two parties represent America better than third parties, it's that fear tactics are used to keep people voting for the same two parties every year.

And that's just conspiracy theorist nonsense common among Koolade drinking Libertarians. The fact is, Libertarian politics doesn't appeal to most American voters. It isn't money, it isn't fear, it's facts. Most people don't want libertarians in office. Most people see them as fanatics. You're welcome to disagree, of course, but that is the public perception in most cases. And when it comes to money complaints, isn't the Libertarian Party portraying itself as the party of business? Why can it get no business contributions then? Oh yeah, it's all a bunch of BS.

There is nothing demonstrably true that religion can provide the world that cannot be achieved more rationally through entirely secular means.

re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

Originally Posted by Cephus

And that's just conspiracy theorist nonsense common among Koolade drinking Libertarians. The fact is, Libertarian politics doesn't appeal to most American voters. It isn't money, it isn't fear, it's facts. Most people don't want libertarians in office. Most people see them as fanatics. You're welcome to disagree, of course, but that is the public perception in most cases. And when it comes to money complaints, isn't the Libertarian Party portraying itself as the party of business? Why can it get no business contributions then? Oh yeah, it's all a bunch of BS.

So how do you explain an 11% approval rating yet a 97% re-election rate? The most obvious explanation is that our political system was designed to shut out third parties.

re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

Originally Posted by Cephus

And even then, he couldn't get elected, or even get serious consideration from most Americans because his ideas were really out there. When you have a failed political philosophy, it doesn't matter what letter you put next to your name, you still lose.

I certainly agree regarding the failed political philosophy. Which explains the rejection of Libertarians. However, when Ron Paul did change the letter after his name, he ended up in Congress for a pretty long run.

__________________________________________________ _
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.... John Rogers

re: How did the Libertarian Party do this election?[W:89]

__________________________________________________ _
There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.... John Rogers